TORONTO-Jamaal Magloire made history on December 16th, 2011 when he became the first Canadian to sign with the Raptors. He was no rookie though- Magloire had been playing in the NBA for 11 seasons. A proud Canadian, Jamaal has never left Toronto out of his journey.
Though actively engaged in all sports, approaching 6 feet 4 inches in grade 8 made choosing basketball an easy fit. Height wasn’t the only sign. Jamaal didn’t just play as a hobby, shooting hoops became a habitual part of his day.
In the early 80’s, when children were dismissed for recess at St.Timothy’s Catholic school in North York, they could count on one student being a staple on its basketball court-Jamaal Dane Magloire.
Now known as “Big Cat”, Jamaal showed that like his defence, his love for the game was larger than life. Rain, sleet or snow, you could find him working on his game.
Despite average academics, challenging administrators and the odd conflict with students, there was one constant that seemed to anchor everything else-basketball. His experience is common for many students but what’s exemplary is how he transformed this passion into a professional career in the NBA.
Outside of his school teams in his first 2 years at Wexford Collegiate Institute, Jamaal had to satisfy his need to play via various community outlets- centers, courts in his neighbourhood and organized teams.
“There wasn’t really a designated path to take at that time to ensure a career in basketball as you would have found in the US”, Jamaal.
Midstream, he found structure in the training, fundraising and after school tutoring that was available at Eastern Commerce. This positive reinforcement from the staff helped Jamaal to accomplish his goals. Tailored academic help and hard work athletically lead him to become the most highly recruited prospect in Canada. He left Toronto and headed to the University of Kentucky. This was the beginning of an all-star journey for an aspiring boy who’s practiced at local courts all across Toronto.
Having learned the value of education Jamaal decided to forego the NBA draft in his senior year to finish off college. Not only did Magloire major in business, he also finished his season with solid game and impressive stats.
On June 28th, 2000, along with his family, every aspiring basketball player in Toronto who followed his story anxiously awaited to hear Jamaal drafted into the NBA. Finally the dream became a possibility.
Despite his infamy Jamaal applies the same drive he has for the game to helping his community.
In his early years in the league he started his own basketball camp geared towards boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 17. Leading by example Jamaal strives to provide extensive basketball instruction in a fun, competitive and positive environment. His aim is to not only improve a player’s conditioning, flexibility but also develop teamwork skills and the notion that hard work pays off.
GlobalToronto.com’s Camille Hemming sat down with Jamaal to talk about growing up in Toronto and how he gives back.
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